I am certainly not a Type A mom — if anything, I might rate myself a C+ by society’s standards. However, if the “Honest Moms” or “Real Mommies” were evaluating my mothering skills, I’d likely score quite high. Honestly, those are the mothers I want to surround myself with.
Once the haze of postpartum depression lifted, I accepted (thanks to therapy) that I wouldn’t be the supermom skilled in breastfeeding, crafting, cooking gourmet meals every night, or relishing every playground outing and birthday party. My best friend aptly dubbed me the “Three-Hour Mom,” a title I proudly embrace.
Yes, I can manage three hours of parenting at a time. I’ve coined this “interval parenting.” After those three hours, I need a breather — whether it’s a nap, a glass of wine, or just a moment to collect myself before diving back in. Sometimes those three-hour chunks are filled with warmth: hugs, laughter, snuggles, and heartfelt moments.
But there are also times when those hours are a battle, marked by cries, tantrums, and the relentless refrain of “Mommy!” and “I have to go potty.” After numerous three-hour stretches — often just a few days — I find myself longing for a break, an adult getaway.
Imagine checking into a hotel solo, away from the little ones and the sometimes big kid you share life with. You enter your room and spot a huge bed — one that could fit your whole family but is now just for you. You quickly change into a plush robe, slip under clean sheets, and drift off to sleep without interruption. When you wake, you order room service and indulge in dessert without the pressure of sharing it with anyone.
Post meal, it’s time for some real “Netflix and Chill,” and I mean actually enjoying the show without distractions. You can either repeat this blissful cycle or venture out the next day. When you finally return to the chaos of motherhood, you feel rejuvenated, ready to tackle the challenges of parenting again.
Yet, three hours later, that vibrant feeling may fade, and you might find yourself pleading with your son to watch TV because you’re too drained to engage in play. When your partner comes home, you might suddenly feel a migraine creeping in, needing him to step in and help with the child care duties. At least you don’t have to worry about what he’s been up to while you were away.
Wearing my Three-Hour Mom crown brings its own internal conflict: the desire to be a present, involved mom versus yearning for my own independence. I strive to be engaged during family time, even if that means letting my son watch a show while I steal a few cuddles. I also schedule playdates, giving both him and me a chance to enjoy our own spaces.
My son deserves a happy mom, just as a happy child thrives in that environment. Thus, I carve out time for myself through those essential Three-Hour Mom breaks whenever possible. School and camps have been a lifesaver, allowing him to learn and grow while I seize the opportunity for some much-needed self-care.
Every couple of months, I take a short solo trip, whether that’s leaving a day early for a scheduled family trip or enjoying a getaway with friends. I do this unapologetically; after all, alone time is crucial for me. My friends who prefer not to leave their kids might joke about my willingness to do so, but I know that prioritizing my needs only makes me a better mother and partner.
Some might see the Three-Hour Mom concept as a guise for laziness, but I recognize my limits and understand what I need. My happiness matters just as much as my child’s, and together we navigate our shared universe. I embrace my identity as the Three-Hour Mom, and I encourage others to explore this approach.
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Summary
Interval parenting, or the concept of being a “Three-Hour Mom,” emphasizes the importance of self-care in the journey of motherhood. By recognizing personal limits and prioritizing breaks, mothers can recharge and return to parenting with renewed energy. This approach fosters not only individual happiness but also the well-being of the family unit.